Hapag-Lloyd’s ‘Strategy 2030’, freight planning amid global turmoil with SEKO Logistics

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, host Charlotte Goldstone dives into the world of artificial intelligence in logistics and customs with two industry insiders: James Coombes, co-founder and CEO of Raft.AI, and Michael Douglas, customs technology consultant at ALS Customs Services. Together, they unpack the reality behind the AI buzz – what’s hype, what’s real, and what’s already transforming global supply chains. The conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at AI in action. You’ll hear how one of the world’s largest customs providers is integrating advanced AI tools to solve very human problems, with some surprising takeaways about data flows, where time savings truly happen, and why “saving on typing” is no longer the headline benefit. Whether you’re AI-curious or already deep in digital transformation, this episode offers a grounded, insightful, and surprisingly candid conversation that you won’t want to miss.

23 Sep 24min

Following London International Shipping week, host Charlotte Goldstone shares her highlights of the events and useful takeaways and is joined by Alex Lennane and Gavin van Marle from The Loadstar team, who recap the week’s main supply chain headlines.  In both air and ocean, freight rates have plummeted. The ocean freight market is dealing with the looming threat of USTR port call fees next month, while aviation battles with the reduced likelihood of a peak season.   Indian stakeholders, having recently been dealt a 50% tariff on their exports to the US, in particular are struggling. The region has seen airfreight demand down and one major digital forwarder cease operations.  Our journalists explore all of these topics and more in this brief episode – perfect for busy people who need a quick reminder of what’s been going on before the week ahead.   It’s only 20 minutes, listen now!

21 Sep 17min

Had a busy week? Join The Loadstar Team as they catch you up on the most recent supply chain news!  This 20-minute episode briefly recaps the hot-topics in logistics right now, including tariffs, the status of demand across major trade lanes, the looming USTR port call fees, and why DSV have announced major job cuts.   Both airfreight and ocean freight news items are covered in this episode - including the most recent rate levels - to give listeners an overall picture of the market in one convenient place.   So, whether you haven’t had time to stay up to date with the news, or you simply need a refresher going into next week, this podcast is perfect.  The episode also gives listeners a chance to get ahead of the curve, and details what might crop up on The Loadstar soon.

14 Sep 18min

This episode of The Loadstar Podcast explores the current dynamics in the ocean freight market, with a deep dive into major trade lanes and the contextual factors impacting supply, demand, and rates.  Special guest, Container Trade Statistics’ CEO Nigel Pusey, offers the very latest data for teu volumes and pricing, while he and The Loadstar’s Charlotte Goldstone and Gavin van Marle discuss what the numbers might indicate.   Mr Pusey and Mr van Marle also give listeners their best ‘crystal balling’ and give some predictions on what might happen over the next quarter.  So, sit back and enjoy the next 26 minutes of up to date-data-driven analysis on the most influential market factors and what they mean for your supply chain!  If you’d like to discuss any topics you heard on today’s podcast, or suggest questions for the next episode, please get in touch!  Nigel Pusey, CEO, Container Trade Statistics: nigel@containertradesstatistics.com  Gavin van Marle, Managing Editor, The Loadstar: gavin@theloadstar.com  Charlotte Goldstone, News Reporter, The Loadstar: charlotte@theloadstar.com

14 Sep 25min

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.       Ms Goldstone lists some government policies that are having an impact on supply chains, including ICS2 and a ban for Israeli vessels in Turkey.   She is joined by Alex Lennane who details the latest on the air freight market post-de minimis exemption and what this turbulent time means for rates and capacity across major trades.   Ms Lennane then gives the latest update to the proposed merger between major US railroad companies Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific.   The Loadstar’s managing editor Gavin van Marle joins a conversation on the dynamics influencing ocean freight rates, including expected blank sailings and the growing order book.  He also reveals the winners and losers of H1 port throughput figures around the world.  The episode ends with a brief round-up of what has been on Premium this week.    So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 20 minutes!

31 Aug 20min

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, sponsored by Etihad Cargo, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.      The episode begins with a recap of the recent flight attendant strike at Air Canada and the current status of relations between the airline and its employees.   Then, Ms Goldstone discusses the widened scope of US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as a comment from the CBP on those trying to doge tariffs.   She also covers recent Chinese export figures and details of how one carrier could be looking to capitalise on the European ecommerce import rise.  Ex-Loadstar writer, chartered shipbroker and owner of MJW Consulting Mike Wackett. discusses ocean rates, Zim’s Q2 results and how the Israeli carrier’s H2 expectations might compare to actual demand.   The episode ends with a brief round-up of what has been on Premium this week.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 13 minutes!

24 Aug 12min

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.      The episode begins with a look at the recent blaze abord Marie Maersk and an update to the June ship-fire on the Wan Hai 503.  Ms Goldstone is then joined by Macro Bloemen, Managing director of Aviation consultancy Aevean, to discuss how current tariff levels, the US-China tariff extension and the pending end of global de minimis, are impacting the air freight industry.   Ms Goldstone then gives a brief round-up of the latest ocean and air freight rates and reveals what has been on Premium this week.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in 11 minutes!

17 Aug 10min

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and give you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.     The episode begins with a tariff rate update, and an explanation from Ms Goldstone about how the uncertainty has impacted the European and US road freight markets. Ms Goldstone is then joined by ex-Loadstar writer, chartered shipbroker and owner of MJW Consulting, Mike Wackett. They discuss Maersk’s Q2 earnings result and how this compares with the global container market growth and another major carrier’s report.   Ms Goldstone then gives a brief round-up of the latest ocean and air freight rates and reveals what has been on Premium this week, including Alex Lennane’s exclusive long-read article on what it’s like to be taken over by DSV.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 15 minutes!

10 Aug 15min